Friday, June 21, 2013

Amon Amarth - Deceiver of The Gods (2013)

Since the big movie "Thor" was released, everyone today know who Loki is and how evil he is. That is why I think it is a good idea by Swedish viking metallers Amon Amarth to highlight Loki in their ninth album entitled "Deceiver of The Gods", so the public learn more about Loki's deception against Thor, Odin and the rest of the gods in Asgard that ultimately led to Ragnarök. The band knows their Nordic mythology and they also have the writing skills to tell the story in the most amazing way possible. So you could tell that my expectations for this release was high, and they did not get lower since their last album ("Surtur Rising") was, according to me, the best album released in 2011.

"Deceiver of The Gods" is the first album by the band that was recorded outside Sweden and also the first album with Andy Sneap as the producer. But the production is the least important part of the album, it is the music that stands in the front. It is the typical Amon Amarth sound that we all know and love. Heavy death metal with fine musicality that could be linked with folk metal and catchy melodies. The band is truly one of a kind with their music and the fact that they mix power, heaviness and melody in one big cauldron is just very intriguing, and let us not forget the Nordic mythology theme that gives the band its image.

The title track opens up the album with a typical Amon Amarth speed that is only matched by Odin's eighth legged horse Sleipner. This could be an instant classic with the epic chorus and fine riffing, but that little special something is missing to make the song truly shine. Otherwise, there are not that many power packed songs in "Deceiver of The Gods". The band has chosen to focus on the more delicate part of their sound, which means that the melodies and the mood is more important then raw strength. Not a horrible choice, but I wished that they would have done at least one or two more power songs. So do not expect to find a new "A Beast Am I?" or "Where Is Your God?" on this particular record.

So yeah, the structure and lyrics is in the focus, and the song with the most interesting structure and lyrics is "Shape Shifter". A great song that explains Loki's ability to change his appearance to deceive others, but also a song that has a melody that is so groovy that your head just cannot stay still. Another evidence of the bigger focus on the structure is the two last songs "Coming of The Tide" and "Warriors of The North". Two great songs that ends the album in a very elegant way

I have one big problem with "Deceiver of The Gods", and that is the memory factor. No song on this album is really catchy and that makes an album filled with just mediocre tunes. I guess that the most memorable chorus goes to the excellent "Father of The Wolf" , but not even that song stays in my mind after the first couple of listening sessions. That is a shame, since I find the catchiness is one of Amon Amarth's greatest strengths, but luckily, they have many other strength to back this flaw up (like Johan's amazing vocals and the fantastic musicality).

We also get a special guest appearance by Messiah Marcolin (singer of Candlemass) on the eighth track "Hel". It is probably the song that stands out the most in this album, and Messiah does an excellent job together with Johan Hegg on the vocals. I also like the doom like touch of this song, but some parts of the song reminds me of the Primal Rock Rebellion song "White Sheet Robes" which kind of annoys me. Still, it is one of the highlights in this album.

You know what too expect when it comes too Amon Amarth, and "Deceiver of The Gods" is no different story. It is brutal and melodic death metal at its finest. And even though this album is another great, solid piece by the band, it lacks that little extra something that the previous three releases from the band had. But it is still another proof that Amon Amarth is one of the best in their league. So start brewing your mead, put on your viking helmet, grab your axe (or other weapon) and prepare yourself for the assault that is entitled "Deceiver of The Gods"

Songs worthy of recognition: Deceiver of The Gods, Coming of The Tide, Father of The Wolf, HelRating: 8/10 Shape Shifters

Album reviews by year released

Greetings from the Gates

Hi fellow metal head. My name is Robert Andersson but I am also known as Sharkruisher, and in this blog, I will review albums from every corner in the metal world. Everything from Iron Maiden, Bullet For My Valentine, Dream Theater, Amon Amarth, and many, many more.

My main focus is new releases but I will also look back on the careers of some of the biggest bands. I will also from time to time write reviews of books, films and other media (mostly related to metal).

Followers

Q & A

Q: Who the hell are you?

A: A Swedish man around his 20's that loves metal.

Q: Where did you get the name of the blog and your username?

A: The blog name is taken from a song by the thrash metal band Forbidden (the song comes from the album "Omega Wave" (2010)). As for the username, I originally took the name from a Hot Wheels car and just happened to misspell it. The name of the car was Sharkruiser, but my stupid mind added an h to make it Sharkruisher (and yes, the car looked like a shark). But still, it sounded cool and it have followed me since i came up with it around 7 years ago.

Q: Which band/artist is your all time favourite?

A: One does not simply name only one favourite band/artist.

Q: Do you have any other interests?

A: I am also into sports, especially football, athletics and American football. I also enjoy playing video games, mostly rhythm, racing and platformers.

Q: What can I expect from this blog?

A: Reviews of both new and old albums from almost every corner of the metal universe. Also some other reviews from time to time (movies, books, shows and more)

Q: How often do you post a review?

A: I try to keep a steady schedule of three posts a week (most of the time it is reviews of two new albums and an older album on Thursdays for my discography reviews), but that can change pending on my personal life.

Q: Are you doing a review of everything you listen to?

A: No, that would take too much of my free time. I would say that I write a review of 1/4 of the amount of albums I listen too.

Q: Can I find you on any other site?

A: I do have a Twitter account, so if you want to know when I upload a new review (or just wanna see me write gibberish), give it a follow

https://twitter.com/ForsakenGates

Q: Why do you not make a review of [insert random album name here]?

A: Mostly because I go on my own taste. You can give me a suggestion if you want to, but it is not sure that I will do a review of that album (but I am open for any tips and suggestions, so do not be afraid to ask me).

Q: Can I express my own opinion of the album.

A: Sure, just type you opinion in the commentary section at the end of the review, but keep it clean, no stupidity or ignorance allowed.

Q: What does that mean?

A: No racism, sexism, threats or how I am wrong. Just because you have one opinion, it does not mean that everyone else must have the same one, we are all different people with different tastes. In short, use common sense.

Q: I am in a band and we have recently released a album. Will you do a review of it?

A: Absolutely, but if your band plays the darkest of black metal or whimpy ass rock (like Nickelback), I will most likely not review it because you will probably get a bad review from me with a low rating (and I am sure that you do not want that). Also, I am definitely open for digital downloads, but if you have the chance to send me a real copy of your album, I would appreciate it more.

Still want me to review it? Then send me a mail to sharkruisher13@gmail.com and we can discuss the situation.

Q: Do you review EPs, demos and Singles?

A: EPs: yes, but only if it the band wants me to write a review for them.

Demos: no

Singles: hell no

Q: Are you in a band?

A: No, mostly because I am pretty incompetent when it comes to instruments (I do plan on learning the guitar eventually though). I also do not have the time.

Q: Will you do interviews?

A: You should never say never, but I am not that good of a journalist, so no.

If you have any other question, then send it to my E-mail sharkruisher13@gmail.com or give me a tweet @ForsakenGates and I will try to answer it as soon as possible